Petit Palace Alcala

Housed in one of Madrid’s first high-rises, Petit Palace Alcala is a good pick for travelers who need little more than a pleasant place to spend the night before heading out in the morning to explore the city center. The hotel is light on amenities -- there’s no full restaurant or gym here -- but its location literally steps from Sol means everything is within easy walking distance, including tons of great restaurants. Although we spotted some wear and tear in hallways, the lobby was fully redone in early 2018, giving it a fresher, more contemporary feel, with wooden floors, a stylish combination of gray and teal hues, wood paneling, and a library corner with a high table and stools where guests can read or work. The only other common area is the breakfast room, located on the fifth-floor rooftop area and featuring huge windows that offer expansive city views. 

There was extensive construction work right outside the hotel during our visit, but once inside the vibe was relaxing and surprisingly quiet, a feel that continued in rooms. Still, those who want to stay away from the more touristy parts of town but still be within easy access of attractions may want to check out Hotel Sardinero Madrid, which is more upscale but has similar rates. The NH Principe de Vergara is a solid alternative for travelers on a tighter budget, with cheerful rooms and a small gym. The NH Collection Colon is more expensive but also more stylish and upscale. 

Petit Palace is located on a busy corner on Alcala street, just up the street from Puerta del Sol. The area is bustling and packed with tourists and locals year-round, but it is as central as it gets and offers easy walking access to all attractions, great dining and shopping, and nightlife. Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, La Almudena Cathedral, Cibeles, and El Retiro Park are all within a 15-minute walk from the hotel, as are all of Madrid’s top museums, including El Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza. The hotel also offers easy access to public transport -- there is a metro stop right outside the front door, and lots of buses and trains have stops within a five-minute walk. The airport is a 20-minute drive away.

Petit Palace Alcala has 58 rooms, all done in a simple, contemporary style that combines gray walls and laminate floors with orange accents and blond-wood closets and desks. Walls are bare, save for big black-and-white prints and large backlit headboards, which add style. Though most units have large windows -- some offering nice city views -- two of the Small Double Rooms overlook walls and are dark. Although there was extensive construction going on right outside the hotel during our visit, double glazing provided great soundproofing even on the first floor. 

Standard in-room amenities are good for a mid-range hotel, and include large smart TVs, minibars, and safes. Superior Rooms have kettles. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and the hotel has three Mi-Fi-enabled iPads that guests can borrow during their stay. Family Rooms, which are located on floors six to 12, feature at least one set of bunk beds and can sleep up to six guests. Bathrooms are spacious and modern, with walk-in rainfall showers equipped with jets, and square sinks over wooden counters. However, all have frosted-glass walls and doors, which some guests may find lacking in privacy. 

A great breakfast buffet with hot and cold options is served every morning in a glass-enclosed room that sits atop the fifth-floor rooftop area. Aside from the usual eggs, ham, cheese, pastries, and fresh fruit, the spread offers an array of healthy options, such as fresh-pressed juices, homemade yogurt, and a wide array of seeds that changes every day. No other meals are served on-site, although guests can order room service from a local catering company that delivers to all Petit Palace properties in the city center. The menu includes pizzas, salads, burgers, and a variety of Mediterranean dishes.

Loaner bikes are available free of charge at reception, as are strollers and a few other baby accessories. Although there is no on-site parking, the hotel offers discounted rates at two nearby parking lots. Travelers with mobility issues may want to note that there are steep steps to reception.